Current Events for Friday, September 30th, 2011

First African woman to win Nobel Peace Prize dies

Elements of newsworthiness:

1. Timeliness-- the woman died on Monday, September 26, 2011. 

2. Impact-- the first African woman is no longer here for history. 

Combining environmentalism and social activism, Kenya's most known woman won the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize. Wangari Maathai, was the first African woman to win any Nobel Peace Prize. Today, Monday September 26, 2011 she died at the age of 71. Maathai continuously contributed to Kenya by building trees (The Green Belt Movement). She also was the first East African woman to receive her doctorate from the University of Nairobi. 


Reaction: I personally think it is a sad story to know that the first African woman to win such a prestigious prize has passed. If I lived in Africa, I know I would be looking up to this woman and I would be devastated to know that she has died. I feel sorry for her family, because she died but at the same time, I don't. The reason I don't is because look at how many people recognize her. She will probably be famous all around Africa for many years to come. 


Ex-Jayhawks relive Phog’s magic in legends game at KU



Elements of Newsworthiness: 
1. Proximity- the game happened right here in Lawrence, Kansas.
2. Oddity- it isn't everyday that you see NBA stars just walking around in Lawrence. 


Summary: On Saturday, September 24th, 2011, NBA superstars such as Paul Pierce, Mario Chalmers, Julian Wright, Xavier Henry and many more came back to the school where they all started their career. The University of Kansas right here in our hometown, Lawrence. Some highlights of the game was when Chalmers did a repeat of the 2008 National Championship. He tied the game up with a three pointer. Also, Paul Pierce got emotional talking about his three year experience at Kansas. “He [Scott Pollard, coach at the time Pierce was here] was like a father to me,” Pierce said, getting choked up. The game ended in an 111-111 tie, at Allen Fieldhouse.


Reaction: I was at this game! It was really great to see my favorite jayhawk of all time (Mario Chalmers) play against some of our newer players. Personally, I think they should have one of these games once every other year if not once a year. As many people there were that were at the game, I think they would be able to manage that. Hopefully we see more "Legends of the Phog" games here in Lawrence.